Defense Verdict in Koplewitz v. Hamilton, Et. al

Newfane, Vermont, January 17, 2005

Following a two-week jury trial in Windham Superior Court, Judge John P. Wesley presiding, a jury of 7 women and 5 men returned a unanimous verdict in favor of our client concluding that the plaintiff, Laura Koplewitz, was not injured by exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning, and thus denied her attorney’s request that it award her $1,200,000.00 to compensate her for her alleged injuries, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of income. 

Plaintiff Koplewitz filed a lawsuit in 2001 alleging that she sustained carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty furnace while a tenant at our client’s West Brattleboro Farmhouse during the winter of 1999-2000. Subsequent to filing the lawsuit, she added claims that the alleged poisoning led to her termination from two positions at local colleges. 

In light of the verdict, Judge Wesley awarded the defendants more than $16,000.00 in costs for defending the lawsuit. 

Kiel Ellis & Boxer partner Andrew Boxer represented Ms. Hamilton.  Mr. Boxer was assisted at trial by Wesley Lawrence.